In a remarkable legal intervention, a 70-year-old woman named Saraya Silma has been freed from the Yolde Pate Correctional Centre in Yola, Adamawa State, after enduring a decade in custody pending trial. Silma, who looked fragile, had been charged with witchcraft, an accusation that was never proven.
Justice Hasfat Abdulrahaman, the Chief Judge of Adamawa State, oversaw the proceedings as part of a prison release initiative. Following an inquiry with Silma, the judge ordered her release and personally gave her N12,000 for transportation back to Cameroon.
Chief Judge.said, “It’s a relief to see justice done for someone who has suffered so long without trial.”
Under the guidance of the Adamawa State Jail Delivery Committee, a total of 32 detainees were released, 25 were granted bail, and 37 were convicted out of the 182 individuals awaiting trial.
Several of the released individuals were assigned non-custodial penalties, like community service. Despite being built to accommodate 800 inmates, the correctional facility currently houses 886.
Chief Judge Abdulrahaman encouraged the newly released inmates to view their liberty as an opportunity to reconstruct their lives.
“This is a divine intervention. Make the most of this opportunity,” she warned.
While representing the recipients, Dominic David conveyed appreciation to the judge and her team, vowing to amend their behaviors.
David affirmed, “We are grateful and hopeful for a brighter future.”
